Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Correlative Imaging of HIV-1 Transcription and Latency in CD4⁺ T Cells

Location: The Division of Structural Biology, Building for Genomic Medicine, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7BN

We are seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to manage and carry out the Correlative Imaging of HIV-1 Transcription and Latency in CD4⁺ T Cells project day-to-day. The goal of this project is to establish and apply innovative imaging methods and tools for the structural characterization of HIV persistence.

Aim 1 will establish a dual-reporter strategy in CEM cells to simultaneously label proviral DNA and nascent viral RNA, enabling discrimination of transcriptionally active and silent proviruses and mapping of their perspective nuclear environments through live-cell imaging and correlative cryo–electron tomography. Aim 2 will extend these approaches to physiologically relevant primary CD4⁺ T cells, defining and classifying distinct nuclear structural features associated with HIV-1 latency and active transcription.

You will be responsible for managing the project day-to-day, including both design and action of strategies in molecular biology, protein biochemistry, cell modification (CRISPR) and cellular imaging, structural studies using SPA cryoEM, cryoET and other appropriate methods. You will manage your own academic research and administrative activities and use specialist scientific equipment in a laboratory environment. Other duties will include carrying out collaborative projects with colleagues in partner organisations and research groups, student supervising, and contributing to the overall development of our programme and preparing for the next stages in research

It is essential that you hold a PhD/DPhil (or close to completion) in structural and functional studies of virus infections, or other relevant subject. With demonstrable decision-making, problem-solving and planning within a research environment, you must have research experience in molecular biology, protein biochemistry, and cryoEM structure determination. You will have experience in the area of retroviruses and in-situ structural biology including cryoET subtomogram averaging.

An ability to drive and lead the research project, manage the day-to-day running and assisting junior researchers is also essential.

Applications for this vacancy should be made online and you will need to upload a supporting statement and CV. Your supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience. Please restrict your documentation to your CV and supporting statement only. Any other documents will be requested at a later date.  

This position is offered full time on a fixed term contract until 31 May 2028 and is funded by NIH/NIAID.

Only applications received before 12 midday on 17 August 2026 will be considered. Please quote 186683 on all correspondence.

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